Wednesday, November 30, 2011

More Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Runners!

Is your spouse, significant other, sibling, best friend, boss, colleague, or neighbor-down-the-street a runner? Are you at a loss for what gift to give them for the holidays? If so, then check out the gift suggestions below. From the practical, to the indulgent, to the whimsical, there's something for every runner in your life. Check it out!

INKnBURN

This new line of technical running tops shorts, and other running apparel is perfect for the art lover, tattoo lover, or someone who just likes to add a little flare to their running attire. I've tested the shirts, shorts, and sleeves and they wear great. INKnBURNuses fabrics that are moisture wicking, light and they breathe -- helping you stay comfortable as you achieve your peak performance. Their proprietary technique for getting art on their apparel creates vivid and powerful designs that you can’t feel, and that do not compromise the performance of the fabric. Their designs are all about personal strength and performance. Don’t disappear into the crowd... Distance yourself with INKnBURN and the Art of Running.

Knuckle Lamps

With the innovative Knuckle Lamps, you get two lights that provide 45 lumens per light, a wide beam, included batteries, free shipping, a 5-year warranty, and a money back guarantee. What more could you ask for? I've tested these lights and they work great. I was worried that them beams may move too much and bother me, but what I got instead was a wide steady beam. They fit securely over your knuckles in a way that you don't have to "hold" them. They just stay in place. They are also very light weight and you forget they are there once you begin your run. So, if day is running in the dark, keep him safe and get him a pair of Knuckle Lights.

Loop Nano

The Loop Nano is a one piece silicone watchband that seamlessly integrates the 6th generation iPod Nano into a high-end time piece. Together they become a single entity, their form and function wrapped into a truly unique comfortable, and stylish wrist watch.

Hood to Coast

On January 11th, 2011, runners and athletes nationwide made their way to see the world’s largest relay race in movie theaters for a Special, One-Night Only screening. The special showing was such a hit that an encore showing took place in February, 2011. Now this awesome documentary can be purchased on DVD and Blu-ray. HOOD TO COAST is an inspiring new documentary that follows four teams with various levels of athletic ability on their epic journey to conquer the world’s largest relay race. Some run to test their personal limits, some to overcome personal obstacles, and others leap in blindly looking for a way to shake up a complacent life. As we follow these four teams, we realize that winning isn’t everything in a film that takes a celebratory look at personal motivation and attempting the extraordinary. Hood to Coast is among my favorite documentary and running-related movies.

You can order a 2-Disc Special Edition DVD ($21.95) or Blue-ray ($27.95). Includes over 95 minutes of extras. Free shipping! Click here for more info.

This cool "low-tech" tool is a must-have for any runner. Touted as the "Portable, Personal Massage Tool" it's exactly what it promises to be. The FlexMassager is the brain child of Steve and Lee, a father and son team who both enjoy outdoor activities and endurance sports. They needed something that was lightweight and compact enough to take on a backpacking trip, but could also provide an amazing massage. After about a year of tinkering in their garage, the FlexMassager was born. It provides deep tissue massage as well as a softer skin massage, and it can fit in your running bag easily! Or, just toss it in your car to have handy after your long run. I personally have a FlexMassager and use it frequently after runs. I also keep it by be desk in the studio. It's great for relaxing tense muscles from sitting at the computer too long. I also use it on my feet to prevent from getting plantar fasciitis. Click here to find out more about the FlexMassager.

Amphipod Hydration Belt

If your runner is a distance runner he/she definitely needs a source of hydration on those long runs. I've never been a big fan of hydration belts until I discovered the Full-Tilt-Velocity belt by Amphipod. The belt allows the bottle to lay flat and stay secure. No jiggles. I promise. The Amphipod bottles are great too. They do not leak. I've had one bottle from a handheld model for over 8 years and it's still as water tight as the day I bought it. Check it out! Personalized BibFOLIO

Almost every runner that races keeps their race bibs as a memento of their hard work. Usually they get stuffed in a drawer, in a shoe box, or in a file folder. Surprise your runner with a truly unique gift, a BibFolio. This one-of-a-kind display holder will house their bibs so they they can be displayed proudly and viewed often. There are several styles to choose from, many of which can be personalized with your runner's name and/or photograph. I have a BibFolio of my own, and it truly is a cool way to keep track of your races. Check them out here!

Feetures! Elite Socks

I've worn many different brands of socks, but by far, my favorite is Feetures! Every runner needs socks and can never have enough. I've worn several styles from Feetures and love them all, but my favorite is the Elite. It's their most technically advanced sock. The Sock-Lock support system works to make your foot and sock one. The light cushion of the sock features high density cushioning in just the right spots. The Power Arch is anatomically constructed to provide targeted support where it's needed most. Anatomical right and left foot design enhances fit, delivering maximum protection by helping to eliminate blisters. iWick fibers wick moisture to keep feet dry and odor free. Stinkless socks? That's enough reason to buy them right there! Check them out!

Saucony's ViZiPRO High Performance Reflective Clothing and Gear

Where competing high-visibility apparel falls short, ViZiPRO shines. Made with soft, moisture-wicking Drylete, crisp reflective accents and high-quality stitching makes this night-time line extremely comfortable to wear. I personally wear the Epic Run Vest and love it. It's breathable, yet at the same time keeps the penetrating wind and cold out. It's perfect for all the night time winter running I have to do. From shoes, to gloves, to vests, to jackets, to hats, check out the entire line.

Sprinter Headlamp by Black Diamond

Along with reflective gear (so motorists can see your favorite runner), your runner also needs to see where he/she is going! The Sprinter Headlamp by Black Diamond is a great option weighing only 3.5oz. It has a very bright light (around 70 lumens) which well let you see about 150 feet ahead and best of all the light is focused on the ground right around your feet and a few strides ahead, perfect for runners. The headlamp also comes with a blinking red light positioned on the back strap making it a great safety feature. Probably the best feature of all is that the lamp is rechargeable. There's no batteries!! Check it out here!

Lululemon Athletica Apparel

My favorite: Run Response Short

About a year ago, a running buddy of mine had on a really cool pair of running shorts. They had pockets and the legs were a little longer and slimmer than most running shorts. The fabric looked awesome too. I didn't recognize the brand symbol so I asked him about them. He told me they were his Lulus. I said, "What?!" He said the brand was Lululemon. He was on a trip with some running buddies and the ladies in the group took him and the other guys into the Lululemon Athletica shop. They told him the company was known for their great yoga apparel, but that they had really great running clothes too. He tried on a the pair of shorts and was sold. Shortly after, I ordered a pair too. They are awesome. Recently Lululemon sent me more styles to test out and they too are amazing. (Stay tuned for my upcoming review.) Their clothes are a little pricey, but the quality and comfort is amazing. Check them out!

TASC Running Apparel

Another one of my favorite lines of running apparel (Thriv) now has a new name, TASC Performance. TASC stands for "Technical All Season Comfort" and I couldn't agree more. The company originated with one mission - the reinvention of performance apparel. After 2.5 years of research, development, and engineering, they brought the performance market something completely new and revolutionary with their first generation Bamboo Performance Technology line - Thriv. TASC Performance has taken that original technology and incorporated new fabric structures, fiber blends and technical details and is now staging a coup d' etat on the performance apparel industry. The other great thing is they now have Men's size small!!! (I'm a little dude and originally the Thriv brand only offered mediums as the smallest size for men, but that's all changed.) There are many different styles for men and women to choose from. I've recently tested and really like the Hybrid Fitted SS Crew. This shirt (see photo) has a snug fit making it perfect for a base layer. It's moisture wicking abilities are awesome. That's saying a lot coming from a guy who starts to sweat as soon as his foot hits the ground. The fabric is very soft and non abrasive. I like the snugger fit of the SS Crew as a base layer because it really helps prevent chafing. Don't worry, there are looser fitting options too. Go ahead...check them out!

Great Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

Ultra Pocket Hat
The Ultra Pocket Hat from Gone For A Run has two zippered pockets perfect for keys, gels, ID, money, etc. The pockets feature a velcro closure and holds contents securely and comfortably. Its aerodynamic construction, ventilated mesh side panels, reflective safety piping, moisture wicking material along with these patented outer pockets make this hat a top choice for athletes.

WristSTASH
The WristSTASH Sweatband Wrist Wallet, also from Gone for a Run is also a great option. You can easily slide your money, music, key and credit card inside and then zip it up to keep it secure. It's woven from soft recycled cotton terry. The Terry cloth is also great for wiping the sweat off your face and forehead during a run.

Shoe Pouch
The Shoe Pouch from RoadID is another a great option. The pouch is versatile, durable, and will keep its contents dry in its water resistant ripstop nylon pouch. It easily attaches to your shoe laces with a velcro strap. Also, if you already own a Sport ID from RoadID, you can easily attach it to the Shoe Pouch having it double as a form of ID as well as a storage place for keys and money.

Micropack Land Sport Pack
The Micropack Land Sport Pack from Amphipod is a great option for key storage while on the run. The patented lock-on design of this handy pocket/pouch clamps directly to waistband, securely attaching without confining or chafing. You can stash keys, cash, ID, credit cards, energy food or sunglasses while on the run without bouncing and jingling.

NipGuards

NipGuards have revolutionized the market for protectdion against painful nipple chafing and abrasion. Ask any runner, they'll know what you're talking about. Over 1 million NipGaurds have been successfully used since 1999. Each disposable pair of NipGuards is good for one workout-typically a long distance run or compteition.

Grabber Hand Warmers

Does your runner suffer from cold hands on winter runs? It can really make a long run miserable. Air-activated, Grabber Hand Warmers keep hands and fingers toasty for over 10 hours. New and Improved! Now 20% larger and lasts 40% longer! These handy portable heat generating packets fit in the palm of your hand. Perfect for those long cold runs! Check them out! You'll also find Foot Warmers too!

PR*BarEvery runner needs pre- and post-run nutrition to support support their activity. I've recently tested and reviewed PR* Bar and highly recommend them to runners. If you're looking for a nutrition bar that tastes good and really does provide a great source of energy and will help improve performance, then give PR*Bar a try. They're even the offical bar of the U.S. Olympic Team! Check them out!

Warrior Training Bracelet

These cool leather training bracelets are made to wear while running, cycling, working out, sweating, racing, or all day long. Each features a positive and powerful keyword or phrase to help you train, perform, and live with greater strength of body and mind. Mine says "Persevere." Check them out at EndorphinWarrior.comYurbud EarphonesFor as long as I can remember, I've had a hard time finding earbuds that would fit my little ears. Finally I discovered Yurbuds! Yurbuds twist lock into place for a secure fit that never falls out even under the most intense workout conditions. I know. I've tried it! They're ergonomically designed to avoid nerve rich areas of the ear and they're made with medical grade silicone. And best of all, they keep the sweat out! Check them out! Note: The runner gift recomendations above are purely based on my personal opinion. I was not paid by any of the featured companies to list their products nor was I encouraged in any way to write a positive review or to list positive comments about the featured products.

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Certified running and fitness coach Thad McLaurin hosts and writes the popular RunnerDude's Blog as well as being a contributing writer for Active.com. He's also the owner of RunnerDude's Fitness in Greensboro, North Carolina. He has a BA in Education from UNC-Chapel Hill, and his credentials include personal trainer certifications from NPTI and ACSM, as well as running coach certifications from RRCA and USA-Track & Field. Thad’s greatest reward is helping others live healthy, active lifestyles. From general fitness to marathon training, Thad can help you reach your fitness and running goals.